SIX new jobs will be created in a new bed and breakfast and restaurant development that was recently awarded planning permission.

Eglwys Sant Sior, or St George’s Church, in Trefor, was opened in 1881 but was placed on the market following its closure and has now been de consecrated.

But the Grade II listed parish church building now looks set to serve a very different purpose after Gwynedd Council’s planning department gave the green light to the internal alterations which include a 50 seat restaurant.

The developers, Y Clochdy Cyf, say they hope to create six full and part-time jobs once completed, with the work involving the creation of two new floors with the ground floor to be adapted to a restaurant.

Meanwhile, living quarters and toilets will be located on the first floor with the third floor to house the bedrooms.

Llanaelhaearn Community Council gave its general backing to the development but did retain concerns over the lack of parking spaces, however, with only four being earmarked as part of the plan.

But officers, who approved the application without the need to go in front of the planning committee, noted in their summing up: “The proposal involves converting a church into a bed and breakfast and ground floor restaurant with provision for four vehicles.

“The site is served by an existing access located approximately 1.5 meters from the edge of the adjacent carriageway and a parking space within the curtilage.

“It is proposed to demolish part of the front boundary wall to improve access to the site.

“Concern has been raised locally due to a lack of parking, and it is felt that four parking spaces appear to be insufficient.

“However, the matter was discussed with the Transportation Unit and it was noted that the building and site were presently used, and that use would have the potential to attract significant transport to the site.

“It is felt that there is no justification to object to the proposal based on a lack of parking space.

“It is likely that the proposal would not have no more significant impact on the area’s road traffic than the current use.”

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